Creative Portrait Series 6: Sun, Sand and Sea with Srongpon
Srongpon Tansuwan, also known professionally as ‘Left Hand Daddy’, is a fashion photographer in the Land of the Free, Thailand. Today, Srongpon will bring us to the beach to share with us what it takes to create memorable and breathtaking portraits.
“I chose to shoot at the beach as I’ve always found it a great place to shoot. It’s clean, comfortable, and rich with natural light – and when not crowded, it’s awesome for the kind of photos I like to take. The seaside can convey the emotions you want to present, and you get to experiment and play with the wind, sky, and the limitless oceanic view. However, being at the beach also means that you are subject to weather conditions, sunlight, and surroundings,” said Srongpon.
As the sun moves, Srongpon would obtain different effects in his images. His album conveys this shift and shows the mood transformation in his photos. According to Srongpon, “The afternoon usually carries reflective and beautiful light, and makes the model less one dimensional. This is important because the sea is endless, and we need the model and props to bring the audience back to a point of focus. By the evening, I am usually done and wrap up the shoot to focus on the beautiful sunset instead.”
Simple Props That Elevate
When it comes to making his photos stand out, Srongpon is keen about finding creative ways to utilize props in his shoots. “Getting props right takes homework. My team would have a mood board, and we do our best to match models, shoot concepts, wardrobe, and set color with the props. Props can generally make images more special, like how glass paper can be used to wrap the lens to soften the composition and make the surroundings more dreamlike,” said Srongpon.
When it comes to blending the subject with the background, Srongpon utilizes some techniques to create more visual impact. “To get more control over the color of the set, we would often pick wardrobes that blend better with the color of the sky. At the same time, we apply red makeup or brightly colored props to create a stronger visual point… and voila! This creates a contrast to tell the story we want to convey. We even used a mirror against the blue sky in the set,” added Srongpon.
But props don’t have to be complicated. According to Srongpon, “You can find equipment anywhere around you. Take it, test it. Use it with the lens or the foreground, and you’ll unlock more techniques and gain a newfound enjoyment in your photography.”